Cruise line captains operate passenger ships and luxury liners on voyages worldwide. In addition to navigating the route of the ship, they coordinate safety protocols with the crew, supervise loading and docking, and even engage with cruise line guests. Captains also keep a daily log of ship operations. Because cruise ship captains are responsible for a variety of different ship functions, they must undergo extensive training and certification.

Education and Background

Most cruise ship captains possess at least a high school education or the equivalent before gaining formal training. Maritime academies train individuals who are interested in working in the transportation industry. It is the fastest way to receive training, but some, like the United States Merchant Marine Academy, require service in the armed forces. The curriculum includes an academic program, as well as hands-on internships working on ships that sail internationally. After completing the four-year program, graduates receive a bachelor of science degree and a Coast Guard license as Third Mate. Alternatively, interested candidates can build on their experience to become cruise ship captains, although this route can take a very long time. Majoring in nautical science can be beneficial for people not wanting to attend a maritime academy.

Certifications

The United States Coast Guard requires that water transportation workers obtain ratings certifications in order to advance their careers. For many cruise ship captains, a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC, is provided by the Transportation Security Administration to identify ship captains. Cruise ship captains will also need a Merchant Mariner Credential provided by the Department of Homeland Security. Both these certifications require physical examinations, drug screenings, written exams and vision tests.

Skills

There is more to the job than obtaining ship experience and certifications. It is important to consider all the responsibilities of a ship captain. Captains are in charge of the crew, so communication skills and experience in a leadership role are valuable. Good hand-eye coordination is essential for ship captains, as well as problem-solving skills, analytical reasoning and spatial orientation. Being able to work on a ship for extended periods of time is required, as many ship captains might be on the sea for weeks, or even months.

Job Outlook

Cruises are a large segment of the tourism industry, accounting for nearly $30 million in 2011. The recent financial difficulties and the deadly cruise accident off the Italian coast in 2012 have not negatively affected captain’s salaries or their job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the entire water transportation industry will experience above average job growth until 2020, while the average salary of a ship captain is around $64,000.

About the Author

Harlow Keith has been involved in the human resources sector since 1998. He founded a human resources training company and has written several published articles. Harlow became interested in his field at the tender age of 15 while editing his father's resume.